TCBY and Mrs. Fields

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TCBY and Mrs. Fields

TCBY and Mrs. Fields Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Frozen yogurt and cookie franchise offering a selection of frozen yogurt flavors, toppings, and freshly baked cookies, providing a sweet treat experience.

TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) and Mrs. Fields are well-known brands under Famous Brands International, each with a distinct legacy in the dessert industry. TCBY, launched in 1981, is renowned for offering a variety of frozen yogurts that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Mrs. Fields, established in 1977 by Debbi Fields, earned its reputation for delivering freshly baked cookies and brownies of exceptional quality.

Operating from their headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado, the two brands leverage a dual-branding approach to attract a broader customer base. This strategy includes diverse store formats, such as traditional counter-service locations, interactive self-serve setups, and compact kiosks, catering to various spaces and customer preferences.

With an eye on global expansion, TCBY and Mrs. Fields continuously evolve their offerings and store designs to align with shifting consumer demands. Their commitment to innovation and franchisee support has been instrumental in driving growth and maintaining their position as leaders in the competitive dessert market.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

TCBY and Mrs. Fields offers 2 types of franchises:

Store Type Initial Investment Range
Retail TCBY and Mrs. Fields Store $487,630 to $699,467
Retail Kiosk $135,400 to $285,350

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Retail TCBY and Mrs. Fields Store. For more information on costs required to start a TCBY and Mrs. Fields franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Travel and living expenses while training $2,000 to $3,000
Real estate lease As agreed
Equipment $238,000 to $278,617
Improvements $180,130 to $322,300
Opening Product and Soft Goods Inventory $1,500 to $10,000
Grand opening promotion, if opening a new store $10,000
Local Store Marketing $2,000
Deposits and other prepaid expenses $4,000 to $5,000
Professional fees $3,000 to $10,000
Insurance (3 months) $2,500 to $3,500
Computer hardware and software $1,500 to $8,050
Additional funds (3 months) $8,000 to $12,000
Totals $487,630 to $699,467

TCBY and Mrs. Fields offers 2 types of franchises:

Store Type Initial Investment Range
Retail TCBY and Mrs. Fields Store $487,630 to $699,467
Retail Kiosk $135,400 to $285,350

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Retail TCBY and Mrs. Fields Store. For more information on costs required to start a TCBY and Mrs. Fields franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Travel and living expenses while training $2,000 to $3,000
Real estate lease As agreed
Equipment $238,000 to $278,617
Improvements $180,130 to $322,300
Opening Product and Soft Goods Inventory $1,500 to $10,000
Grand opening promotion, if opening a new store $10,000
Local Store Marketing $2,000
Deposits and other prepaid expenses $4,000 to $5,000
Professional fees $3,000 to $10,000
Insurance (3 months) $2,500 to $3,500
Computer hardware and software $1,500 to $8,050
Additional funds (3 months) $8,000 to $12,000
Totals $487,630 to $699,467

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

TCBY and Mrs. Fields both offer a robust training framework designed to empower franchisees with the knowledge and skills required to run their businesses effectively. The training programs provided by these franchises include the following components:

  1. Classroom Training
    Franchisees undergo a detailed classroom training program that typically covers operations, product knowledge, marketing strategies, staffing, accounting practices, and loss prevention techniques.
  2. On-The-Job Training
    Practical experience in a real-world store environment helps franchisees apply the concepts learned in classroom sessions, with hands-on guidance from experienced professionals.
  3. Self-Paced Learning
    Franchisees are provided with computer-based training modules or self-study materials to enhance their understanding of operational procedures at their own pace.
  4. Marketing and Branding Support
    Both franchises assist with marketing strategies, including co-op advertising, social media management, SEO, website development, email campaigns, and loyalty programs to ensure strong brand visibility.
  5. Operational Support
    Continuous support is offered through regular communication, newsletters, online resources, and field operations visits to address challenges and ensure smooth functioning.

Territory Protection

TCBY and Mrs. Fields do not grant exclusive territories to their franchisees. This means that franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned locations, or additional distribution channels operated by the franchisor.

Franchisees must adhere to strict guidelines and are not allowed to operate their businesses at any location other than the approved premises without prior written consent.

Both franchises retain the right to establish additional locations or competing businesses within proximity to existing franchisees. This approach allows the franchisor flexibility in expanding its network but may impact the market potential for individual franchisees.

Competitors

Below are some of

TCBY and Mrs. Fields

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

125

New
+
-26%
-26%

$35,000

$135,000

$699,000

n.a.

$397,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

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Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$160,000 - $274,000

Gofer Ice Cream

Gofer Ice Cream is an ice cream franchise known for its premium soft-serve and hard ice cream, shakes, and frozen treats.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream is a mobile dessert franchise providing a unique blend of tropical shaved ice and creamy ice cream, perfect for events and community gatherings.

Franchisees

?

38
+
27%
27%
Investment

?

$173,000 - $185,000

Popbar

Popbar serves handcrafted gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt on a stick with customizable dips and toppings for a delightful treat.

Franchisees

?

15
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$217,000 - $461,000

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream creates made-to-order ice cream using liquid nitrogen, offering a customizable and entertaining experience.

Franchisees

?

37
+
-12%
-12%
Investment

?

$110,000 - $284,000

Milkshake Factory

Milkshake Factory is a dessert franchise offering gourmet milkshakes and chocolate products. Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, marketing support, and a business model that focuses on delivering high-quality treats.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$510,000 - $773,000